2023 Honda Ridgeline Changes: Can Type R Finally Debut?

Pickup truck class is not a priority for the Japanese carmaker. Well, that is obvious if we take a look at the sales charts. Ridgeline us the slowest-selling mid-size model and Honda are not producing a half-ton truck. But, the company sticks to its solutions. The 2023 Honda Ridgeline is going to be the only mid-size pickup with a unibody chassis. That is the main reason why truckers avoid this model and go after more durable configurations.

But, the Japanese truckmaker is not going to give up on the 2023 Honda Ridgeline. The new version is about to introduce a fresh look, outside and inside. What is more important, updates under the hood will draw even more attention. We are following the development of the PHEV system for the Honda Pilot. After the SUV gets it, the plug-in setup will be available for other models as well, the truck at one of the first places.

Finally, we must mention rumors about the 2023 Honda Ridgeline Type R truck. The carmaker made the Type S, performance package, available for a few Acura vehicles. It sparked the interest in the Type R models for non-premium cars, SUVs, and a truck.

2023 Honda Ridgeline interior

Specifications and PHEV System

The engine room for the 2023 Honda Ridgeline will hide a 3.5-liter V6 engine. It is delivering 280 hp and 262 lb-ft of torque. The unibody chassis makes the truck easier to maneuver but harms its toughness. Truckers won’t like the towing capacity of 5,000 pounds. The class leader is Chevy Colorado with 7,700 lbs, while most other body-on-frame pickups can do at least 7k pounds. A nine-speed auto transmission delivers power to the front axle. Honda leaves an AWD as the optional upgrade.

In the future, we might see the new version of the pickup truck. That is the Ridgeline PHEV. Truck’s close sibling, Pilot SUV, has been spied a couple of times testing this kind of powertrain. The holes above the front wheels are indicating that the Japanese company is serious about this move. It is not hard to conclude that if Pilot becomes the PHEV, other vehicles with a V6 under the hood will go the same way.

2023 Honda Ridgeline type r

2023 Honda Ridgeline Type R

Now, it is easier to make predictions when the company launched the performance package for the premium Acura cars and SUVs. The Type S of the Acura MDX features a powertrain that delivers 360 horsepower. It replaced a mild-hybrid system with 320 hp. Some sources even claimed that the new SUV might go up to 400 ponies with the Type S package.

Nevertheless, the configuration is perfect for the 2023 Honda Ridgeline Type R. A 3.0-liter turbocharged V6 engine is under the hood. It is going to boost the overall performance of the pickup truck. But, the Type R is also there to draw more attention to the entire lineup with the exquisite styling and unique body upgrades. The truck is going to be sportier than before, outside and inside. The price is going up as well, not only for the high-end editions. The base MSRP will exceed a $35,000 tag.

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